Regulate & Rewire: An Anxiety & Depression Podcast

• Derealization - What it is & Tools to Help

  Ever felt like the world around you suddenly turned foggy, distant, or dreamlike? That’s derealization—and while it can feel disorienting, it’s actually a protective response from your nervous system. In this episode, we explore what derealization is, why it happens, how it relates to depersonalization and trauma, and what you can do to support yourself or a loved one when it shows up.In this episode, you’ll learn:What derealization is, how it feels, and why it's a nervous system protective response.The common links between derealization, stress, anxiety, and trauma.Practical coping strategies (like grounding & breathwork) and lifestyle tips for self-management.How to support loved ones experiencing it and when professional help is beneficial.3 Takeaways: Derealization is Your Nervous System's Protective Strategy: It's not a sign you're broken or "going crazy," but rather your brain's attempt to shield you from overwhelming stress, intense input, or trauma triggers by creating a sense of distance from the outside world.You can support your system by creating cues of safety. Grounding techniques, gentle movement, breathwork, routine, and co-regulation are all ways to signal to your body that it’s okay to come back to the present.Self-Compassion and Connection are Key: Understanding derealization often involves recognizing its link to anxiety or past trauma (as an adaptation). Approaching it with self-compassion, curiosity, and seeking connection (with yourself, safe others, or professionals) is crucial for managing it and fostering healing.Whether you’ve experienced this yourself or want to better support someone who has, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and actionable insight.—Looking for more personalized support?Book a FREE discovery call for RESTORE, our 1:1 anxiety & depression coaching program (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork)Join me inside Regulated Living, a mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available)Order my book, Healing Through the Vagus Nerve today!*Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE.Website: https://www.riseaswe.com/podcastEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/amandaontherise/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

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• Bringing It All Together (Final Part: B2B Series)

  In this final episode of our Back to the Basics series, we bring together all the key concepts we've explored over the past eight episodes. From understanding your nervous system to creating a personalized path to healing, this episode serves as both a review and a roadmap for moving forward with confidence and clarity.In this episode, you'll learn:How all the pieces of the nervous system puzzle fit togetherThe ultimate framework for understanding and approaching anxiety and depressionPractical ways to apply this knowledge in your daily lifeHow to create a personalized, sustainable path to healing3 Takeaways (& their reflection questions):Whole-Human Approach: True healing comes from integrating both physiology and psychology - one that explores and acknowledges how your body, mind, relationships, and environment all interconnect in your mental health. Understanding the interplay between your nervous system, stress bucket, reactive and proactive regulation creates a comprehensive framework for healing that honors your unique experiences and needs. If you’ve been feeling stuck in your healing…Which area of your life (physical, mental, relational, or environmental) feels most neglected in your current healing approach, and what small step could you take to address it?Your Symptoms Likely Make Sense: Your symptoms make perfect sense given your past lived experiences and current life circumstances—they're not signs of brokenness but messages from a system trying to protect you and understanding this helps you shift from self-blame to self-compassion.How might your perspective shift if you approached your symptoms with curiosity rather than judgment, asking "what happened to me?" instead of "what's wrong with me?"If you were to apply the equation 'Current Nervous System State = Past Lived Experiences + Current Life Circumstances' to your own experience, what's one key insight you gain about why you might be struggling the way you are?Strategic Path Forward: Real healing comes from a balanced approach that includes both in-the-moment tools and deeper, proactive changes that address the root causes of dysregulation. The journey of healing, viewed through a nervous system lens, is ultimately about reconnecting with your authentic self, accessing your inner resources, and creating a life where you feel safe, resilient, and whole.What's one reactive tool you can practice this week when you notice dysregulation, and one proactive change you feel ready to explore to address something in your stress bucket?"What does 'coming home to yourself' mean to you, and what's one small practice or action you could incorporate into your daily life to cultivate a stronger sense of connection with yourself?"Looking for more personalized support?Book a FREE discovery call for RESTORE, our 1:1 anxiety & depression coaching program (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork)Join me inside Regulated Living, a mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available)Order my book, Healing Through the Vagus Nerve today!*Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE.Website: https://www.riseaswe.com/podcastEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/amandaontherise/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

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  35:23
• Bloodwork & The Chemical Imbalance Theory (Part 8: B2B Series)

  In this episode, we’re continuing with Part 8 of the Back to the Basics series by exploring the vital role that comprehensive lab work plays in healing anxiety and depression. I break down why we take a physiology-first—but not physiology-only—approach, the truth behind the outdated “chemical imbalance” theory, and how functional labs can uncover real root causes that are often missed in standard care.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why focusing on your body is often the missing piece in mental health treatmentHow the “chemical imbalance” theory got started—and why it doesn’t hold upWhat’s often missing from standard lab work and how comprehensive blood testing can uncover hidden drivers of anxiety or depressionWhat markers we include in our custom lab panel and whyHow optimizing your biology creates capacity for deeper healing3 Key Takeaways:Physiology First, Not Only: There’s an interplay between physiology and psychology but if your body is depleted or stressed, it changes how your brain functions. You can’t mindset your way out of a nervous system stuck in survival mode.The Chemical Imbalance Theory is outdated and debunked. This oversimplified narrative can prevent people from exploring the root causes of their symptoms and keeps many stuck in medication-only treatment plans that don’t fully support their healing.Comprehensive Lab Work can take out some of the guesswork. It helps uncover hidden imbalances—like nutrient deficiencies or hormone issues—that may be driving anxiety or depression. It gives you clear, personalized data to support your healing.Looking for more personalized support?Book a FREE discovery call for RESTORE, our 1:1 anxiety & depression coaching program (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork)Join me inside Regulated Living, a mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available)Order my book, Healing Through the Vagus Nerve today!*Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE.**Referenced Sources: Moncrieff, J., Cooper, R. E., Stockmann, T., Amendola, S., Hengartner, M. P., & Horowitz, M. A. (2022). The serotonin theory of depression: A systematic umbrella review of the evidence. Molecular Psychiatry, 28(8), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-022-01661-0Website: https://www.riseaswe.com/podcastEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/amandaontherise/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

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  36:17
• Proactive Regulation: Long-Term Strategies for a Resilient Nervous System (Part 7: B2B Series)

  In Part 7 of our Back to Basics series, we explore proactive regulation as the long-term approach to healing anxiety and depression through a nervous system lens. Building on our previous discussion of reactive tools, this episode examines how to address the root causes of your symptoms.In this episode, you’ll learn:Understanding regulated living as a strategic approach to getting out of chronic survival modeThe importance of identifying your unique stress contributors through a comprehensive assessmentHow to create a personalized healing plan based on what feels meaningful and accessibleKey areas to evaluate: physical health, connection, environment, mindset, and daily stressorsWhy small, consistent 1% changes create sustainable transformation over time3 Key Takeaways:Proactive regulation is essential for long-term healing: It involves creating sustainable habits and addressing underlying causes to break free from chronic survival mode, moving beyond in-the-moment reactive tools.The most effective healing path is personalized and structured, focusing on what feels meaningful and accessible for you to change nextSmall, consistent changes (those 1% improvements) layered over time create the most sustainable transformation when supported by the right guidance and communityNext Episode Preview: Join me for part 7 where we'll discuss lab work, what it is, why it matters, and why I consider it a key piece of healing.Looking for more personalized support?Book a FREE discovery call for RESTORE, our 1:1 anxiety & depression coaching program (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork)Join me inside Regulated Living, a mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available)Order my book, Healing Through the Vagus Nerve today!*Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE.Website: https://www.riseaswe.com/podcastEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/amandaontherise/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

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• Reactive Regulation in Real Life (Part 6: B2B Series)

  This morning I wanted to flush my kid down the toilet, it was just one of those mornings. It made me realize that while last week we had a great chat about reactive regulation, it was a bit heavy on the theory vs practical application. I'm extending that conversation today to share some real life examples of how I use these tools in my everyday life, how I used them this morning with my son. So, here's Part 6 of my Back to the Basics Series.In this episode, you'll learn:How a challenging morning with a 4-year-old demonstrates simple regulation techniques that prevent reactive parentingUsing activating breathwork to overcome the 2pm energy slump instead of reaching for caffeineNavigating grief with grounding techniques that help process emotions without becoming overwhelmedThe three ways reactive regulation tools support us: physiologically shifting our state, creating awareness and pause, and building confidence and agency3 Takeaways (about why reactive tools work). It’s because…They can directly impact your physiology - Breath work, movement, temperature changes, and vision exercises actually shift your autonomic nervous system state. They help us create awareness and pause - Even if you don't shift states completely, the simple act of noticing and pausing creates space between stimulus and response. That morning with my child, I still felt frustrated, but the pause allowed me to respond intentionally rather than react automatically.They build confidence and agency - Having these tools counters the helplessness that often comes with dysregulation. Instead of "I don't know what to do," you begin to think, "I have tools I can try." This builds a sense of agency over time.Next Episode Preview: Next week, we will move on to proactive regulation and explore how creating a more regulated life sets the stage for long-term healing and well-being.-Looking for more personalized support?Book a FREE discovery call for RESTORE, our 1:1 anxiety & depression coaching program (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork)Join me inside Regulated Living, a mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available)Order my book, Healing Through the Vagus Nerve today!*Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE.Website: https://www.riseaswe.com/podcastEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/amandaontherise/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

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